The Hollywood Reporter sings the praises of Jessica Biel's film!

IMTA alum Jessica Biel starred in the September feature film release The Illusionist. It got great reviews at the time of its release this fall and now it's getting buzz in Hollywood as a film to watch for an Academy Award! Jessica competed at IMTA

Martin A. Grove of The Hollywood Reporter says,"The Illusionist is one of the films I enjoyed most this year and I was happy to have an opportunity recently to focus with (Director) Burger on how it reached the screen. It's a film I'd definitely encourage Academy members to catch up with if they missed seeing it earlier in the year." You can read the whole article here.

This is so exciting! Not only are two IMTA alumni films Superman Returns and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest in the running for Academy Awards for visual effects but Jessica's film is being talked about as a contender too!

Crash, last year's Oscar Winner for Best Film, had an IMTA connection too! Read all about it on the IMTA website!

Eva Longoria to open world-famous department store's sale!

The exclusive London department store Harrods asked IMTA alum Eva Longoria to launch their winter sale, opening today! She said, "I am absolutely thrilled. It is such an honor and a privilege to be asked to the opening of the sale at the world's most famous department store."

The beautiful brunette, who plays Gabrielle Solis on the hit show Desperate Housewives, will be accompanied on December 28 by Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed. Previous celebrities to open the famous sale include former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham in 2002 and actor Richard Gere in 1994.

Eva competed at IMTA in Los Angeles in 1998. Eva received 38 callbacks from agents and managers who noticed her great looks and natural performance. Eva signed with Debra-Lynn Findon of Discover Inc. and moved to Los Angeles. She joined the daytime drama The Young and the Restless for two seasons and was cast in the phenomenal hit Desperate Housewives series in 2004.

Happy Holidays from IMTA Alumni Jessica Biel!

Jessica Biel is one of IMTA's kindest, most generous alumni. A true philanthropist, Jesse gives often of her time and talents to worthy causes. Just last week, Jessica announced on The Ellen Degeneres Show that she was giving donations to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in the name of her friends as holiday gifts this season. To view a video featuring Jessica and see how you can help, visit vMix.

Jessica Biel competed at IMTA in 1994 where she met her first agent and manager. She was just eleven years old! She received a number of awards and won a very prestigious scholarship. She got the role of Mary Camden on the beloved long-running series Seventh Heaven. She has appeared in numerous feature films including Elizabethtown, Stealth, and The Illusionist. In 2005, Esquire Magazine named her the "Sexiest Woman Alive"!

Holiday shopping list for IMTA alumni stocking stuffers

As you wrap up your holiday shopping, remember movies starring IMTA alumni make great stocking stuffers! Some of this year's top hit films starred actors who got their start at an IMTA Convention. And they are all available now on DVD just in time for your holiday shopping !

Look for:
Pirates of the Caribbean :Dead Man's Chest featuring two IMTA alumni, Americus Abesamis and Neil Panlasigui

IMTA alum Katie Holmes in Batman Begins

The Dukes of Hazzard starring IMTA alum Seann William Scott

Superman Returns with IMTA alum Brandon Routh in the title role

and Click starring IMTA alum Joseph Castanon as Adam Sandler's son.

Oscar Visual Effects Nominations feature two IMTA alum's films!

The films under consideration for Achievement in Visual Effects by The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have been announced and two IMTA alumni have films that made the cut! Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Superman Returns may be battling it out as possible trophy contenders for Best Visual Effects at next year's Oscar ceremony.

This summer's blockbuster hit Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest features two IMTA actors, Americus Abesamis and Neil Panlasigui. Americus was featured as a Native Throne Guard next to Capt. Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp). Americus Abesamis is an IMTA Alumni of 1999 and 2000. Since competing at IMTA, he has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, commercials, music videos, theme parks, promos, print jobs. Neil played the native child who meets Sparrow trying to escape.

Superman Returns stars IMTA alum Brandon Routh in the title role of the mega-hit film. Brandon competed at the 1999 IMTA New York Convention. He impressed several agents, made contacts and relocated to Los Angeles. He signed with Kazarian/Spencer & Associates, who represented him when he was cast as Superman after an exhaustive world-wide search.

Both films will move to the next step in the nominations process, which takes place on January 17th. The Academy will be viewing 15 minute clips from each of the short-listed films, with the top three honored with Oscar nominations on January 23. The Oscars will air live on February 25, 2007.

Supermodel Kim Lemanton featured in Neiman Marcus' Best of Winter Catalog

The stunningly beautiful Supermodel and IMTA alum Kim Lemanton is featured in two elegant photos in Neiman Marcus's Best of Winter catalog. Kim looks classically tailored in Neiman Marcus' own signature line wearing a white sheer lace blouse with a silk camisole. The second photo of this versatile model shows her wearing a simple and elegant outfit of a ribbed, orange cashmere sweater with seamed details and khaki slacks. Kim competed at IMTA in 1998 and has been working internationally ever since. Her beauty and natural poise have made her a commercial favorite!

Jessica Biel's new feature film opens today!

Opening nationwide today is Home of the Brave a touching and realistic film about the difficult adjustment veterans experience upon returning home from serving in the Iraq war. IMTA alum, Jessica Biel stars as a single mom who learns to deal with the loss of a hand in this dramatic film which co-stars Samuel L. Jackson. When Jessica was interviewed she spoke about how challenging the role was, learning how to do everyday activities such as getting dressed became an ordeal as an amputee. She plays this character with incredible talent and emotion, really capturing the pain of her character's loss.
Jessica competed at IMTA in 1994 and has appeared in many major motion pictures since. Her last big role was in the Illusionist which opened in September to rave reviews. When Jessica competed at IMTA we all knew she was something special and she has shown everyone worldwide her enormous talent and range of ability in this new heartfelt film.

Brandon Routh at Spike TV's VGA's

IMTA superstar Brandon Routh is an award's presenter at the VGA, Video Game Awards, airing tonight on Spike TV. Brandon's favorite video game is World of Warcraft which he touted at the VGAs. Brandon attended IMTA in 1999 and began his career as an actor. He became an international A-list actor starring as Superman in the smash hit Superman Returns.

Jessica Biel will announce the nominees live today!

IMTA alum Jessica Biel will join Scarlett Johansson and Matthew Perry to announce the nomiations for The 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards this morning! Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Philip Berk will also join the stars for the announcements made live at The Beverly Hilton.

Nominations will be announced in 25 categories. The 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards will take place Monday, January 15, 2007, at The Beverly Hilton with a live telecast airing on NBC at 8 p.m.

Jessica Biel competed at IMTA (and won her own first Awards!) in 1994. She demonstrated her acting, modeling, singing and dancing talents, winning her tons of attention from the agents and managers. Jessica Biel won an acting scholarship to a prestigious acting school and signed with her first agent and manager who she met at IMTA.

Stay tuned to That IMTA Blog for tomorrow's post on Jessica's upcoming movie Home of the Brave!

Tyson Ballou on the Fashion Scene

Tyson walked the catwalk for the Spring 2007 Michael Kors Ready-to-Wear Collections in New York recently.

Tyson has modeled constantly since competing at IMTA in 1996 where he signed originally with the Ford Agency and then with IMG. Tyson is one of the most important male models in the world! He has appeared in print for Jil Sander, Emporio Armani, Moschino, Perry Ellis, Donna Karan and Hugo Boss. He has also appeared internationally on the covers of major fashion magazines including a cover for L'Uomo Vogue with Kate Moss.

Dominic Janes in Cartoon Network Original Movie!

Cartoon Network's first original movie stars an IMTA alum in the leading role! Dominic Janes plays the victim of a freak amusement park accident that leaves him with a brain transplant from the famed cartoonist 'Milt Appleday'. Dominic's character's life is turned upside down when he sees the entire cast of Milt's cartoon characters in real life! The movie combines both animation and live-action and Dominic gets to show his funny side! Watch the preview on cartoon network!

Domenic competed at IMTA in Los Angeles in 2004. He signed with Rising Talent Management and Hollander Talent Agency. You may have seen Dominic in ER, Crossing Jordan or Dexter.

Catch the premiere of Re-Animated tonight on Cartoon Network. Check your local listings for showtimes!

Kim Lemanton in Neiman Marcus!

The December issue of the Neiman Marcus catalog has a special holiday treat... Supermodel Kim Lemanton in two gorgeous ads! Kim competed at IMTA in 1998 and has been working internationally ever since! Her versatile beauty and natural poise have made her an editorial, designer and photographer's favorite.






Kim has graced the covers and pages of Marie Claire, Bazaar, Time Magazine and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue! Kim is signed with Next Models.

Two IMTA actors appear in the summer's biggest hit film on DVD today!

Disney's hit film Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest is out on DVD today! Two IMTA actors appear in the film. Americus Abesamis and Neil Panlasigui both appear in the film.

Americus was featured as a Native Throne Guard next to Capt. Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp). Neil played the native child who meets Sparrow trying to escape. The Native scenes were shot on the island of Dominica in the Southeast Caribbean Isles. Special note: Look for a special movie clip bonus dvd featurette starring Americus.

Katie Holmes on Bazaar's Best Dressed List!

Harper's Bazaar named the fifty best-dressed women of 2006 and IMTA alum Katie Holmes made the list! It's the December, 2006 Best Dressed Issue and Katie is singled out for her "New Classic" style and she is shown in a Yves Saint Laurent suit with a Roger Vivier clutch.

Katie first showed her gorgeous style on the IMTA runway in 1993 where her tall, good looks garnered her modeling interest and callbacks. She went back to her local IMTA Member training center, Margaret O'Brien's, and focused on her acting skills and returned to IMTA to compete in 1995. She won Junior Talent of the Year and caught the attention of the famous manager Al Onorato (who started Elijah Wood and Dalton James' careers). Shortly after IMTA, Katie auditioned for Dawson's Creek and skyrocketed to fame!

Josh Duhamel Stars in Turistas in Theaters Today

Gorgeous IMTA alum Josh Duhamel can be seen in theaters today in the release of the feature film Turistas. This movie is about a bus accident that maroons a group of young adventure travelers in a remote Brazilian beach town. The vacationers soon discover that the white sand beaches and lush jungles are concealing a darker, unsettling secret.

Josh competed at IMTA in 1997 and went on to land roles on television and in movies. He is currently starring on the hit NBC TV show Las Vegas where he plays the lead role of Detective Danny McCoy. When Josh competed at IMTA he won Male Model of The Year, and we guess People magazine agrees with us- Josh was just voted one of their 2006 "Sexist Men Alive" and we could not agree more !!

Kimberly Pfeffer appears in CSI: NY

On CSI: NY, IMTA alum Kimberly Pfeffer adds an impressive line to her growing resume as she guest-stars on the hugely popular investigative crime drama. In the episode titled "And Here's to You, Mrs. Azrael," the CSI team has a long list of suspects when a woman is murdered in her hospital bed following a drunken-driving accident she caused. Pfeffer plays the role of Nicole Garner in the episode originally airing Wednesday, November 15, 2006.

The year 2006 has proven to be a very busy one for Pfeffer. Her first feature film, Petrified, was released in October. The tongue-in-cheek flick contains such horror-film staples as an alien mummy who comes back to life, people turned to stone, and an in-patient psychiatric facility that is home to dozens of beautiful, voluptuous wild women.

Pfeffer also guest-starred this past summer as Goldilocks in the Comedy Central hit Mind of Mencia which is written by and stars popular comedian Carlos Mencia. 2006 also saw Pfeffer in the episode “Who’s Got Game” of the Nickolodeon sitcom Drake & Josh. As for future projects, Pfeffer has just booked an episode of the Sunday night CBS drama Cold Case that stars Kathryn Morris, Daniel Piño, John Finn, Jeremy Ratchford and Thom Barry.
Since attending IMTA in 2001, Pfeffer has also appeared in the short film Rule Number One, as well as in the television series Crossing Jordan and Unfabulous. She is managed by Debra Lynn Findon of Discover, Inc., and represented by Diverse Talent Group in Los Angeles.

Keri Lynn Pratt in Brothers and Sisters!

Look for IMTA alum Keri Lynn Pratt in the hit ABC series Brothers and Sisters. Keri plays Amber Trachtenberg, assistant to the lead character played by Calista Flockhart. Keri Lynn Pratt competed at the 1996 IMTA Convention where she met and signed with Al Onorato, the same manager who started Katie Holmes’ career. Since then, she has appeared in a number of feature films, including America’s Sweethearts with Julia Roberts and the feature film version of Fat Albert.

Brothers and Sisters is a compelling, new one-hour primetime drama from executive producers Ken Olin and playwright Jon Robin Baitz about the California-based Walker family. Catch this great drama and Keri on Sundays on ABC!

Brandon Routh Superman released today on DVD!

The Man of Steel returns...this time on DVD! Superman Returns is available as a single movie or as part of a boxed set that includes the original films.

Nineteen years after its demise, Bryan Singer successfully jump-started the movie franchise with "Superman Returns," an enjoyable, magnificently mounted, $180 million sequel that became the year's fifth most popular film.

It moves like a speeding bullet and is so respectful of Superman tradition that even the pickiest of die-hard fans should love it. After a lapse of two decades, it revitalizes the franchise and makes it seem fresh and alive. A hot pick from the Seattle-Post Intelligencer

Brandon Routh stars as Superman and his charisma and natural likability have endeared Superman to a new generation. Brandon competed at IMTA in New York in 1999. Patrick Baca scouted him in Iowa and encouraged him to showcase his talent at the upcoming IMTA Convention. Brandon competed in Team, Runway and many other modeling and talent IMTA competitions. He impressed several agents, made contacts and relocated to Los Angeles. He signed with Kazarian/Spencer & Associates, who represented him when he was cast as Superman after an exhaustive world-wide search.

Not only is Brandon Routh from IMTA, the actor who plays Clark Kent at fifteen is from IMTA too! Here's the insider info on how it happened. At the Los Angeles, 2005 IMTA Convention there was lots of excitement and talk amongst the agents, managers and casting directors in attendance about how great it was that the new Superman was from IMTA.

One very astute manager noticed a young actor named Stephan Bender in the competitions who reminded him of Brandon Routh. He signed him and then called the casting office for Superman Returns and said,"I have your Superman at fifteen." Stephan came in to meet with Bryan Singer and Stephan got the part! And now both IMTA alums are part of Hollywood history!

Bobby Opened Thanksgiving Day to Rave Reviews!

The feature film Bobby was released Thanksgiving Day and the critics are weighing in with praise for the ensemble cast that stars TWO IMTA alumni! Elijah Wood and Ashton Kutcher star in this period piece that recalls Robert F. Kennedy's assassination.

"...the most unabashedly earnest and nostalgic movie I have seen all year, and I loved every drop of it." Caroline Kepnes read the full review

Elijah Wood competed at the Hooray for Hollywood IMTA Convention in 1989 where he met and signed with his first manager. He has appeared in over 40 feature films, including the Academy-Award winning Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King! Read a great interview with Elijah from CBS about his Bobby and his hit film Happy Feet!

Ashton Kutcher competed at the 1997 New York IMTA Convention where he won Most Sought After Male Model. He signed with Next Models and began modeling immediately. He was more than just a gorgeous face though and quickly started making his mark in Hollywood as Kelso in That 70's Show!

Check out this important film in theatres now!

2006 Sexiest (IMTA) Men Alive!

It's official....People magazine has announced the 15 hottest men in Hollywood and IMTA has two celebs who got their start at the New York, New York 1997 IMTA Convention on the 2006 People 'Sexiest Men Alive' list! Look at these gorgeous photos from the Special Issue on newstands now! Get your copy today to see the final photos and articles about these sexy, talented and sweet IMTA alums!

ASHTON KUTCHER, IMTA 1997
MOST SOUGHT AFTER MALE MODEL!

JOSH DUHAMEL, IMTA 1997
MALE MODEL OF THE YEAR!

Happy News for Elijah Wood !

Elijah Wood's newest film, the animated Happy Feet, debuted with a $US 42.3 million dollar weekend! It was the #1 film according to studio estimates. Elijah is the voice of Mumble, the central character.

Elijah competed at IMTA in 1989. He was scouted by and signed with Al Onorato. Since then, he has had an amazing career and starred in over 35 feature films. He is also the recipient of many awards and critical acclaim.

Josh Duhamel on the Cover of Men's Health

Check out the always gorgeous and talented Josh Duhamel on the cover of the December issue of Men's Health magazine available now. Josh competed at IMTA in 1997. He joins two other handsome IMTA alums who have been featured on the cover of this prestigous men's magazine, Seann William Scott and Bradly Tomberlin.

Josh stars in the hit show Las Vegas where he plays detective Danny McCoy.You can next see Josh as the lead in the upcoming suspense film Turistas due in theaters in December. When Josh competed at IMTA, he won the coveted title of Male Model of the Year and has been working ever since!

IMTA Alum Elijah Wood in Happy Feet Opening Today!

Elijah Wood stars as the voice of Mumble in the much anticipated Warner Brothers animated movie Happy Feet opening in theaters today. Happy Feet is a comedy adventure set in the heart of Antarctica, the homeland of the Emperor Penguins. These penguins sing each needing their own special heartsong to find a soul mate. The story in this new film is that our hero Mumble is the worst singer in the world but he has another talent: he can tap dance. This leads to problems for Mumble and the movie is a heartwarming story of being different and overcoming obstacles.
Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some overwhelming experiences realizes that only by being honest and self accepting can you make a difference in the world.

Elijah attended IMTA in 1989 at age eight and started working as a professional actor immediately. He is a tremendously talented actor and has been in many feature films. He can next be seen in the dramatic movie Bobby, coming to theaters shortly.
Guess the Happy Feet Voices quiz on Moviefone!